Multiple pedicled flaps cover for large defects following resection of malignant tumors with partition concept

Large defects after skin malignant tumors resection were difficult to repair. We introduced a partition concept, in which the large defects were divided into several subunits, and each subunit was repaired by a certain pedicled flap to achieve a complete coverage. Between May 2012 and Oct 2016, 8 patients with skin malignant tumors underwent radical resection. Prior to surgery, the dimension of the potential defect after tumor ablation was estimated and outlined. After evaluation, the partition concept was applied and the defects were divided into several subunits. Also, the rationality of the choice of pedicled flap was evaluated. Each flap was used to cover its specific subunits defect. After excision, the defect areas were from 13 × 17 cm to 36 × 23 cm. Each subunit was designed to be repaired with a pedicled flap, which included local random flap, superficial iliac artery flap, transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap, lateral thoracic advanced island flap, anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, anteromedial thigh (AMT) flap, and deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap. Primary closure of both donor and recipient sites was achieved in all patients. All the flaps survived. Flap necrosis was not observed. Reconstruction of large defects following resection of malignant tumors with multiple pedicled flaps was a reliable method. The partition concept is useful in the reconstruction of large tumor wounds in 1-stage operation.